Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in North Carolina. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the North Carolina counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselos at (919)-661-0820 to make sure you are on the right track.

I'm a High School Graduate

To earn your North Carolina counseling certification, you will need to eventually earn your master's degree. However, try not to be deterred. Most all high paying professional careers require an equal, if not more, amount of formal education. The best thing you can do is help carry your momentum and learn how you begin acquiring a college education. It will go by quickly, and in the end, education is one of the greatest investments you will ever make with your time.

The next step is to learn how you can enroll in an Associate's degree program or Bachelor's degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

Already Received Bachelor's Degree

Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling. Get in touch with schools offering counseling programs in North Carolina and request information about various related degree programs that can help you acquire the necessary educational qualification.

Step One:

Once you have earned your degree, you can submit the North Carolina counseling license application to the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors along with supporting documents and fees.

Step Two:

From the time you submit your application, you have two years to complete the remainder of the requirements. The next requirement is two years of post-masters, supervised counseling experience equaling 2000 hours. The supervisor needs to be Board approved by submitting a Verification of Arrangements form.

Step Three:

The Board will review your application and supporting documents to determine if you are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors. If you are approved, you will then receive an exam registration form and instructions.

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